Joint infection

This occurs in less than 2% of patients. Infection may occur in the wound or within the area around the new joint, and can happen in the hospital, after you return home, or even years later.

After your joint replacement surgery, you’ll receive antibiotics to help prevent infection. You may also need to take antibiotics before undergoing any medical procedures to reduce the chance of infection spreading to the artificial joint.

Understand the potential risks and complications

Understand the potential risks and complications

What are the potential risks in joint replacement surgery?

Most operations are performed without incident, and the complication rate following joint replacement surgery is very low. Serious complications, such as joint infection, occur in less than 2% of patients.1

However, all operations carry some risks and although everything will be done to keep these to a minimum, you should be aware of them before agreeing to have an operation.

When you have total joint replacement surgery, some of the risks are outlined below. Or, alternatively:

Information displayed on this site is intended for Australian residents only and is not designed to replace the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional. If you are experiencing joint pain, see your doctor. There are a number of treatment options that he/she may recommend ( other than joint replacement). Your doctor will advise you whether joint replacement is suitable for your condition.